Рост урожая в Индии усиливает давление на импортные яблоки и повышает интерес к турецким поставкам

India's imported apple market is entering a more competitive phase as the domestic crop arrival gains momentum, putting pressure on imported fruit just as the market transitions from Southern Hemisphere to Northern Hemisphere supply. According to Syed Salehus Sabah of Al Fatah Impex, rising volumes from Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir have already changed buying patterns, particularly in the mass-market segment. "The arrival of the domestic crop has definitely put pressure on imported apples over the past few weeks. As Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir volumes increased, buyers have naturally started preferring local fruit," he says. Imported apple movement has consequently slowed, with traders becoming more cautious about purchases to avoid carrying expensive inventory while domestic fruit is readily available."The market currently has apples from South Africa, New Zealand, the U.S., Turkey, Poland and other European origins, although some earlier-season suppliers are gradually finishing as the supply window shifts north." © Al Fatah Impex The domestic market is proving difficult to read, with pricing heavily dependent on quality. Well-coloured fruit with good size and eating quality can still command strong prices, while average and lower-grade apples are under considerably more pressure. According to Syed, "The market is more competitive and less predictable than last season, making a simple comparison of prices difficult. Recent movements in Himachal Pradesh reflect the volatility, with prices reportedly falling from around USD 105.05 to 84.04 per quintal in a single day." Quality is similarly mixed. Some premium orchards are producing very good fruit, but weather and crop conditions have resulted in uneven quality across growing regions. "This is affecting imported origins differently. Mainstream varieties such as Gala and Red Delicious face the greatest pressure because buyers have domestic alternatives, while high-priced fruit from New Zealand and other origins is more difficult to move when buyers become increasingly price-sensitive," Syed adds. © Al Fatah Impex Turkey's expected stronger apple crop could, however, create an opportunity for Indian importers. "Turkish apples are attracting interest because they can offer a combination of competitive pricing, reasonable quality and availability. Gala, Red Delicious and Granny Smith are among the varieties likely to find demand, depending on crop availability, pack sizes and landed prices," Syed explains. For importers, Turkey's position could become increasingly relevant as the market moves into its Northern Hemisphere supply phase. Beyond demand, importers are also watching the USD/INR exchange rate, freight costs, quality on arrival, competition between importers and the pace of domestic arrivals. "These factors can quickly alter the economics of an import programme in an already price-sensitive market." Looking ahead four to eight weeks, Syed expects the imported apple market to remain competitive and relatively slow while domestic arrivals continue to influence buying decisions. He does not expect the entire imported market to recover at once. Instead, premium-quality imported apples are likely to see demand strengthen first, particularly where they offer a clear advantage in quality, consistency or variety. "For Turkey, the coming weeks could be important. If exporters can combine good-quality Gala and Red Delicious with competitive landed prices, the origin could become an increasingly important supplier to India. For importers, that could make Turkey one of the more closely watched origins as the market moves into its next phase," Syed concludes. For more information: Syed Salehus Sabah Al Fatah Impex Email: [email protected]